Senior Radiochemist - PET

Job Details

PET | Kettering | Full-time | First Shift

Responsibilities & Requirements

The Senior Radiochemist plays a critical role in the production, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance of radiopharmaceuticals used in diagnostic imaging and therapeutic procedures. This position ensures the safe and effective preparation of radiochemical compounds, supports research and development initiatives, and upholds rigorous safety and quality standards to optimize patient care and operational reliability. Performs other duties as assigned. All job responsibilities are to be carried out in alignment with Kettering Health's mission, vision, values, and B Safe program.

Required Education

• Bachelor's degree in Radiochemistry, Nuclear Chemistry, Chemistry, or a closely related field

Required Work Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in radiopharmaceutical production, radiochemistry, or a closely related field

Required Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

• Certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB)
• Valid Ohio radiologic license as required by the Ohio Department of Health (must be obtained prior to start date)

Skills

• Expertise in radiopharmaceutical synthesis and quality control
• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and regulatory standards
• Proficiency in laboratory instrumentation and equipment maintenance
• Understanding of radiation safety principles
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• Effective written and verbal communication
• Ability to train and guide others
• Attention to detail
• Proficiency with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and standard office software

Essential Functions

• Oversee the synthesis and quality control of radiopharmaceuticals in accordance with regulatory and safety standards.
• Implement and monitor quality assurance protocols to ensure the purity, potency, and safety of radiochemical products.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and organizational regulations, including those from the Ohio Department of Health, NRC, and other accrediting bodies.
• Lead or support research and development initiatives to improve or develop new radiopharmaceuticals and laboratory processes.
• Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot radiochemistry laboratory equipment, including cyclotrons and hot cells.
• Develop, document, and enforce radiation safety procedures to protect staff, patients, and the environment.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records, reports, and documentation required for regulatory compliance and internal quality systems.
• Provide training, technical guidance, and informal leadership to junior staff and students in radiochemistry procedures and safety practices.
• Participate in internal and external audits, inspections, and accreditation processes as required.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support clinical operations and research projects.
• Identify, investigate, and resolve deviations or non-conformances in radiochemical production or quality control processes.
• Maintain confidentiality of patient and proprietary information in accordance with HIPAA and organizational policy.

Competencies

• Employee has basic knowledge of radiation safety
• Employee demonstrates understanding of the usage of equipment
• Employee demonstrates proper patient identification
• Employee demonstrates consistent hand hygiene practices

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Radiochemistry, Nuclear Chemistry, or a related discipline
• Experience in a leadership or supervisory role within a radiochemistry laboratory
• Additional certifications in radiation safety or quality assurance

Overview

Kettering Health is a not-for-profit system of 14 medical centers and more than 120 outpatient facilities serving southwest Ohio. Our mission is to live God's love by promoting and restoring health. Our commitment to our patients is to help individuals be their best. With that context, safety is our top priority. We provide an integrated system of healthcare experts committed to providing exceptional care.